Author Archives: Claire Seppings

About Claire Seppings

Churchill Fellow 2015 Bachelor of Social Work (Monash University, 1984) Victorian Custody Reference Group ‘Dennis Mc Millin Access to Justice Award’ (2012) Minister for Human Services Award for Exemplary Service to Customers and Stakeholders (2008)

Breaking the Cycle – Straight Talking Ex-Offenders Reduce Recidivism

Delighted to be guest speaker at the recent Reintegration Puzzle Webinar. These webinars are part of the After Prisons Network Webinar Series 2022. I spoke about how I identified ex offender peer mentoring as a need and a gap in … Continue reading

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A nice finish to 2021

A nice finish to 2021 was reading the article titled “Michael never told anyone about the thoughts in his head until they landed him in prison” by ABC journalist Rachel Clayton. It tells the story of two men and their … Continue reading

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Policy Futures: A Reform Agenda launched in the Churchill Policy Room at Federal Parliament on Monday 15th March 2021

This week I was invited to the inaugural Churchill Policy Room at Federal Parliament to share my ideas and expertise to help lead Australia out of the COVID recession. The occasion was the launch of Policy Futures: A Reform Agenda, … Continue reading

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Introducing the Justice Transition Alliance

I am proud to be a founding member of the Justice Transition Alliance – a new, collaborative Victorian network working to raise awareness to the systemic challenges in transition out of the criminal justice system and recommending evidence-based solutions. Victoria … Continue reading

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Empowering Leaders Summit

My mission in life is to create positive reform in the criminal justice system. Sharing a snapshot of my journey at the Empowering Leaders Summit was a wonderful experience. The opportunity made possible by two amazing women Alexandra Egan and … Continue reading

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Highlights of 2019: No. 3: John Silvester’s Naked City article ‘Ex-crims talking crooks straight’.

The third significant memorable event of 2019 is thanks to John Silvester, legend Australian journalist and crime writer extraordinaire. Titled ‘Ex-crims talking crooks straight’ John tells my story, the catalyst for my Churchill Fellowship; how that led to Deakin University’s … Continue reading

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Highlights of 2019: No. 2: Victorian Custody Reference Group (VCRG)

In June, Rob Melasecca, long standing chair of the Victorian Custody Reference Group (VCRG) announced my appointment as his successor. Fotini Panagiotidis and Peter Rankin became joint deputy chairs and Rob Melasecca manager of communications and public relations. Rob has … Continue reading

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Highlights of 2019: No.1: The Straight Talking Peer Mentoring Program

As the year 2019 and 2nd decade of the 21st Century draws to a close I am delighted to share with you three memorable professional events. The first occurred in February. The implementation and delivery of the Deakin University Straight … Continue reading

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ABC prison stories with the personal Churchill Fellowship connection

The most significant memorable event of 2018 is thanks to the ABC and my former partner Craig, whom was the personal catalyst for my Churchill Fellowship. The ABC investigated and ran prison related stories in the lead up to the … Continue reading

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User Voice founder visits Australia to spread the peer led word

As the year 2018 draws to a close I am sharing two very memorable events. The first occurred in June 2018, when a Churchill Fellowship vision came to fruition. I met User Voice in London on the fifth day of my … Continue reading

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